Payroll Specialist (Waukesha)

Payroll Specialist (42889)

Our client is an organization in the Waukesha area looking for a Payroll Specialist. Our client is looking for someone with extensive payroll experience, a strong accounting background, and the ability to support both payroll and broader finance operations. This individual will play a key role in ensuring payroll accuracy while assisting with accounting functions and financial reporting.

The salary range for this position is $75k–90k.

The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process payroll for employees across operating companies.
• Mix of weekly, bi-weekly, and semi-monthly payrolls.
• Maintain employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, deductions, garnishments, and benefits.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and prepare payroll-related journal entries for the general ledger.
• Assist with month-end and year-end close activities, including payroll accruals, reconciliations, and reporting.
• Prepare payroll tax filings and support payroll tax compliance activities.
• Respond to employee payroll questions and resolve payroll discrepancies in a timely and professional manner.
• Support accounts payable, account reconciliations, and other general accounting responsibilities as needed.
• Assist with financial reporting, budgeting, and other finance department initiatives.
• Partner with Human Resources and Finance to ensure payroll processes align with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll and accounting processes while maintaining strong internal controls.
• Support audits by preparing payroll documentation and responding to auditor requests.
• Participate in special projects and other finance-related responsibilities as assigned.

The Payroll Specialist will possess the following:

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of payroll experience required.
• Experience supporting accounting and finance functions beyond payroll strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of payroll laws, tax regulations, and payroll best practices.
• Experience with payroll software, ERP/accounting systems, and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong understanding of general accounting principles and account reconciliations.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across departments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality in a fast-paced environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The compensation philosophy reflects the Company's reasonable expectation at the time of posting. Actual compensation is influenced by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience level, and overall qualifications. This role may also be eligible to participate in a discretionary incentive program, subject to the rules governing the program.